Nutrient management plan training

Nutrient management plans (NMPs) are used to help farmers efficiently meet their production objectives and protect the environment. Plans provide balanced recommendations for farmers on which nutrient sources to apply and what rates they should be applied at. 

In B.C., requirements for NMPs are being phased in for farms based on their location, type of operation, and soil test values. The training program will provide trainees with the expertise to use planning tools and produce NMPs as a service to farmers or for their own farm. Course content focuses on how to build a plan that meets objectives laid out in the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management. 

The program has four steps: 

1. Enroll online and start with a self-paced online course. Expect to spend approximately 20 hours to complete the course
2. Sign up for a one-day facilitated session (in person or virtually), after completing the online course. Dates for summer and fall sessions will be posted on this webpage.
3. Pass an exam covering the content from the online course and facilitated session 
4. Have a ‘case study’ NMP approved by B.C. Government. 

After completing the program, a trainee may choose to have their name included on a public list of planners.  

The program is meant for: 

• Individuals with a background or training in agriculture who would like to develop a skillset in nutrient management planning 
• Consultants or retailers who provide nutrient management advice to farmers 

Scope of the training content: The training program currently includes content for developing plans for using manure or fertilizers in forages, vegetables, and field crop production.  

Pre-requisites: None. However, the program is not a comprehensive course in agronomy. Trainees should meet the following criteria at minimum:  

• Be a Qualified Professional with an area of practice in soil fertility and nutrient management; or  
• Have at least 4 years' experience in carrying out agricultural operations, or 
• Have at least 4 years' experience and post-secondary training in agricultural sciences combined. 

Fees: There is a $100.00 enrolment fee for the training program. 

Enroll now: Enroll in the training program through the online course administered by Open School B.C.

Open School B.C. enrollment  

 

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Dates for upcoming facilitated sessions

Date	Location	Spaces currently available?
August 28, 2024	Online	Yes

Before registering for a facilitated session you must complete the online modules (step 1) in the NMP training.  To register for a session, email Josh.Andrews@gov.bc.ca and include the username which you have used to enroll with Open School B.C.

Accelerated in-person training

The ministry is offering an accelerated 2 day in-person training session covering Steps 2 – 4 of the NMP Training program. Details of the 2-day training are as follows:

Date: 22 & 23 May, 2024

Venue: Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna- 1171 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6E8

Time: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Registration fee: $100.00 via the Open School B.C. enrollment link above

Other: Lunch will be provided each day.

Day 1: Participants will be engaged in a full day of class sessions on how to prepare an NMP.

Day 2: Participants will take the exam components of the course. Thereafter, participants will prepare their case study NMP (working as a team).

Prior to the in-person sessions, participants are expected to complete the online component of the training (Step 1) where they will learn the foundation of nutrient management and prepare them for the in-person training.

At the end of the 2 day training session, participants will be qualified to develop NMPs in British Columbia.

Register for this course here.